The Best Cheap Hotels in San José from SAR 140 in 2026

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Our top choices for San José cheap hotels

In-room safe, desk, soundproofing, cribs (free)

1. Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Rio Segundo

Carol

SAR 379

SAR 429 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

2. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Ciudad Cariari

Alexis

SAR 295

SAR 334 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Oct - 23 Oct

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Pool View | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, soundproofing

3. Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

Cacique

Juan

SAR 398

SAR 450 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

Body treatments, body wraps, body scrubs, facials

4. Barceló San José

Uruca

Enrique

SAR 352

SAR 398 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

5. Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Cacique

Juan

SAR 428

SAR 484 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

6. Alajuela City Hotel & Guest House

Corazón de Jesús

Kirsti

SAR 101

SAR 140 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Sep - 27 Sep

7. Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Rio Segundo

Kimberly

SAR 444

SAR 501 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Oct - 11 Oct

8. Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas

Carmen

"My preferred place to stay in San Jose (have probably stayed here at least 20 times, and I have stayed at many places in town so I have a fair idea of what's "normal" here even for the high-end hotels). Large and clean rooms, great location and staff. Only downside is there is no restaurant/bar in the hotel, rather in the separate casino which is a bit sleazy for my tastes. But there are decent restaurants within a short walk."

Scott

SAR 289

SAR 327 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sep - 29 Sep

View all properties

Top San José Hotel Reviews

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Everyone was fantastic and very helpful. The hotel was clean and friendly."

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

8/10 Good

"Very good location, for business stay or 1-2 nights is perfect, dinner was good, breakfast divine. Clean nice hotel"

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

8/10 Good

"Great customer service."

Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica

10/10 Excellent

"We had a great stay! The room was spotless, comfortable, and smelled wonderful. The staff was very friendly, and the parking was easy and convenient. Getting to our room was almost a little adventure — up, down, left, right, and a few turns along the way! 😂 It definitely made us laugh. Overall, a very pleasant experience and a lovely stay."

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Costa Rica Airport by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Fantastic stay, the staff helped with all of our questions and we made our flight without any troubles. Breakfast was good too."

Frequently asked questions

What is San José like for travelers on a budget?

San José has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Central Park, National Theater of Costa Rica, and Plaza de la Cultura.

What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in San José?

Based on reviews, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free full breakfast and free WiFi. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center and Viajero San José Hostel.

How many cheap hotels should I expect to find in San José?

Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia's 32 budget hotels in San José.

When is the best time for a budget trip to San José?

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to San José, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually March and April with an average temp of 68°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 66°F. The rainiest months in San José are October, June, September, and August, with each month seeing an average of 26 inches of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in San José?

San José attracts visitors with its top museums and majestic volcano, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost very little. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Mercado Central and San Pedro Mall.

How can I get to San José and get around on a budget?

Scoping out the transportation options in San José is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 4.4 mi (7.1 km) from the center in San José (SYQ-Tobías Bolaños Intl.). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 9.6 mi (15.5 km) away. San José might not have many public transit choices so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to explore more of the area.

Room 1

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on San José Cheap Hotels

Our top choices for San José cheap hotels

1. Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

2. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica